NCLEX Pharmacology: Antihyperuricemics & Glucocorticoids

Vocabulary-style study flashcards for Allopurinol and Glucocorticoids based on NCLEX lecture notes.

Allopurinol

An antihyperuricemic prototype medication used to lower uric acid levels in patients with chronic gout, hyperuricemia caused by chemotherapy, or hyperuricemia caused by blood dyscrasias.

Xanthine Oxidase

An enzyme necessary for uric acid production that is inhibited by allopurinol to decrease uric acid levels in the body.

Hypersensitivity Reaction (Allopurinol)

The most critical adverse reaction to allopurinol, manifested by rash, fever, and eosinophilia, requiring immediate cessation of the drug and reporting to the provider.

Bone Marrow Suppression (Allopurinol)

A rare but serious adverse effect of allopurinol that leads to impaired blood cell production, monitored through signs such as unusual bleeding, bruising, and sore throat.

Allopurinol and Warfarin Interaction

A drug interaction where allopurinol increases the therapeutic effects of warfarin, thereby elevating the patient's risk of bleeding and bruising.

Allopurinol Fluid Requirement

A key nursing intervention instructing patients taking allopurinol to drink approximately 3 liters of fluid daily.

Prednisone

The prototype glucocorticoid (corticosteroid) medication used to suppress inflammation and immune responses by mimicking cortisol.

Glucocorticoid Mechanism of Action

The physiological action of mimicking cortisol to suppress inflammation and immune responses by inhibiting prostaglandins, decreasing capillary permeability, suppressing lysosomal activity, and reducing lymphocyte production.

Adrenal Suppression

Suppression of the body's normal adrenal function caused by long-term glucocorticoid use, necessitating that the medication never be stopped abruptly.

Moon Face

A side effect of long-term glucocorticoid administration characterized by abnormal fat accumulation around the face.

Buffalo Hump

An adverse effect of long-term glucocorticoid therapy involving fat redistribution and accumulation around the upper back.

Glucocorticoid Adverse Effects Mnemonic (5 S's)

A memory rule summarizing major steroid adverse effects: Sugar (Hyperglycemia), Sodium (Sodium/fluid retention and edema), Suppression (Adrenal and immune suppression), Stomach (Peptic ulcers and GI bleeding), and Skeleton (Osteoporosis and hypocalcemia).

Glucocorticoids and Live Vaccines Interaction

A clinical interaction where immunosuppression from glucocorticoids decreases the body's immune response to live vaccines, making live vaccines contraindicated during therapy.

Glucocorticoids and NSAIDs Interaction

A drug combination that significantly increases the patient's risk for gastrointestinal irritation, peptic ulcer formation, and severe GI bleeding.

Glucocorticoid Comparison Overview

A summary comparison highlighting key differences between Allopurinol (urate-lowering, xanthine oxidase inhibitor, requires 3 L fluids/day) and Glucocorticoids (anti-inflammatory, cortisol mimic, requires food administration and gradual withdrawal).